The University of Wisconsin men’s hockey program needed a change. After a disappointing 2022-’23 season that saw the Badgers limp to a 13-23 record, coach Mike Granato was fired.
The Badgers hired Mike Hastings as the new coach. Fans were yearning for a bit of a return to the golden days of Badger hockey, which has a storied past. No one, though, could have expected what Wisconsin has done to start this year under Hastings.
Badgers thriving under new coach
After this weekend’s sweep of Ohio State at the Kohl Center, the Badgers have won 12 of their first 16 games. Roughly halfway through their season and Wisconsin has nearly matched last season’s win total.
Wisconsin snapped a three-game losing streak with a decisive 5-0 win over University of Alaska-Anchorage last week and is back on track with a three-game winning streak.
Badgers men’s hockey making statement in hot start
Just winning 12 of 16 games to start the year after 13 wins all last year is impressive. However, you have to take into account who they have beaten in Wisconsin’s stunning start. After going into the season unranked the Badgers started 3-1 before facing a stiff test in ranked Michigan Tech. A sweep of No. 17 Michigan Tech and going to 6-1 earned the Badgers a top-20 ranking.
Wisconsin then shocked everyone with sweeps of rival and top-ranked Minnesota and No. 4 Michigan. The Badgers enjoyed a sparkling 9-1 record. The sweep of the Gophers vaulted the Badgers to the No. 3 ranking.
‘We’re back’: How Wisconsin men’s hockey gave notice with a sweep of No. 1 Minnesota | Tap on the picture to learn more 🔽 https://t.co/jiXh8wfxhK
— BadgerExtra (@BadgerExtra) October 28, 2023
When they followed that up with a sweep of another top-5 team in the Wolverines, Wisconsin earned the No. 1 ranking. Wisconsin had lost three of four games but quickly regained traction with a sweep of Ohio State this weekend.
The program once again has Madison buzzing with excitement surrounding the program. It’s not just Madison, though, but the Badgers are perhaps the story of men’s college hockey.
What a complete turnaround. A program that faded away over a 10 year span. 13-23 last season, unranked to start the year. All the way to #1 in a month. What Mike Hastings has done is nothing short of incredible. A sleeping giant no more, Wisconsin Men’s Hockey is BACK!! https://t.co/Jq0a4TWt9X
— Brady Johnson (@_Brady_Johnson) November 13, 2023
𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗧-𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗗 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗥 𝗜𝗡 𝗠𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗡! 🚨
No. 5 @BadgerMHockey takes down No. 4 Michigan at home ‼ pic.twitter.com/3SXw70Dzml
— Big Ten Hockey (@B1GHockey) November 5, 2023
The speed of a turnaround under Hastings has been wild. From disinterest under Granato to a 9-1 start in Hastings’ first season has turned Wisconsin’s fan base rabid. Not only does the fast start help, but the football program’s disappointing season, has fans jumping on the hockey bandwagon in droves.
Uw Minnesota Hockey 2 Feb 11 2023
Badgers reached No. 1 ranking
No team has had a longer stretch between times at No. 1 in the USCHO men’s rankings, which date to 1997, than the Badgers. They last were on top on Sept. 25, 2006, the preseason poll after they won their most recent of six NCAA championships. Zach Schulz, the youngest member of this year’s team, then still was having his age measured in months — 15 of them.
The more than 17 years between No. 1 rankings was longer than the previous high set by Cornell from 2003-2018, according to Badgers Extra.
The Badgers entered this week with the No. 6 ranking and with the sweep of Ohio State and a sparkling 12-4 record, Wisconsin likely is back in the top-5 Monday. Wisconsin faces No. 17 Penn State at the Kohl Center for a two-game series this weekend.
The Badgers’ strength is the depth and balance they have. The Badgers have seven players with double figures in sports with all of them between 11-14 points. Cruz Lucius has a team-high eight goals with six assists to lead Wisconsin with14 points. Owen Linmark has seven goals and Christian Fitzgerald and Ben Dexheimer are tied with a team-high 11 assists and both have 13 points.
Wisconsin also has had great goaltending from senior Kyle McClellan with an 11-4 record, 1.74 goals against average, 93.4% save percentage and three shutouts. In Friday night’s shutout win over Ohio State, it marked the fourth time this season where Wisconsin blocked more than a third of the opponent’s attempts. Wisconsin is 4-0 in those games with three shutouts.
Badgers look to build off program’s return to prominence
The Badgers under Hastings have arguably been the best story in college hockey this year. Sweeping two top-5 teams and a top-20 team in six straight games, the Badgers aren’t a fluke. The Badgers have a balanced scoring attack, a strong netminder and a program and fan base buzzing with excitement.
Frequently Asked Questions
. Where did Mike Hastings play hockey?
Mike Hastings played his collegiate hockey at St. Cloud State University from 1986 to 1988. Before that, he was active in junior hockey leagues. His playing career is often overshadowed by his successful coaching career in ice hockey, particularly in NCAA Division I men's hockey.
Does Mike Hastings have kids?
Yes, Mike Hastings has children. Together with his wife Jean Ann, they have raised two children who are now adults. This reflects his stable family life, which is of interest to those following his professional or personal biography.
